The indictment was handed up by a state grand jury on Tuesday and made public on Wednesday night.
Mantua Township Police Officer Salvatore Oldrati has been indicted on a manslaughter charge after fatally shooting a homeowner who had called 911 to report intruders outside his home in southern New Jersey
If convicted, Officer Oldrati could face up to 10 years in prison. The incident occurred on September 14, 2021, when Charles Sharp III, a 49-year-old Air Force veteran, called 911 around 1:30 a.m. to report two burglars in his backyard, one of whom was armed with a handgun. Officer Oldrati, along with another officer, Corporal Robert Layton, responded to the call in separate vehicles.
When the officers arrived, Sharp was standing in his front yard, having remained on the phone with the 911 dispatcher. Corporal Layton, who arrived first, alerted Officer Oldrati that Sharp had a handgun. Subsequently, without issuing any verbal commands or warnings, Officer Oldrati fired multiple shots from his service weapon, striking Sharp several times. Despite being rushed to the hospital, Sharp was pronounced dead shortly after.
No shots were fired by Corporal Layton, and neither officer sustained injuries during the incident
A replica .45-caliber firearm was found near Sharp’s body. Investigators determined that Officer Oldrati failed to provide any verbal commands or warnings prior to shooting Sharp. The case was reviewed by the grand jury, which is required for incidents involving civilian deaths during encounters with law enforcement. The Office of Public Integrity and Accountability conducted an investigation into the incident and presented its findings to the grand jury.
Officer Oldrati’s attorney, Christopher St. John, expressed surprise and disappointment over the indictment, stating that his client was “extremely disappointed” as well. St. John expressed confidence that once a jury had the opportunity to examine all the evidence, Officer Oldrati would be exonerated.
Charles Sharp III, described as a talented carpenter and Air Force veteran of over 21 years, was known for his humor and ability to bring smiles to others.
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